Customer Reviews

The Big Tease

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This creative film within a film, a mock documentary, is simply delightful. Funny and original, it is a biting satire on the Beverly Hills/Hollywood power circuit. In the process, it tells the wonderful story of Crawford MacKenzie, a popular and talented gay hairdresser from Glasgow, Scotland, who believes himself to be invited to represent Scotland in a prestigious hairdressing competition, the Platinum Scissors, to be held in Los Angeles, California. When he arrives, complete with a BBC film crew filming his every move as part of a feature documentary they are making of Crawford's participation in the competition, Crawford discovers that he misread the letter. He is strictly to be a member of the audience and is told so in no uncertain terms by the patronizing director of the competition, who has sized up Crawford as a nobody.

This does not deter Crawford from trying to be allowed to compete, as he definitely is not the kind of person who takes no for an answer. Crawford, charmingly played by the ever talented Craig Ferguson, pulls every trick in the book and ingratiates himself with Sean Connery's publicist, wonderfully played by Frances Fisher, who manages to open some doors for him. Along the way, he is snubbed by some Beverly Hills/Hollywood power types, including one of the competitors, an obnoxious Norwegian named Stig, who was the prior year's Platinum Scissors champion, played to perfection by David Rashe.

Still, the ever nice Crawford remains undaunted, and what he does to get into the competition is funny, especially when he starts fighting fire with fire. In a short time, Crawford becomes a force with whom to be reckoned, and he finally gets his dearest wish and is allowed to compete. The competition itself is hysterical and will amaze and delight the viewer. This little known film is an absolute gem. Craig Ferguson's performance makes the character of Crawford MacKenzie totally endearing, and the supporting cast is, likewise, terrific. There are also a number of marvelous cameos, including Drew Carey playing himself. All in all, a bloody good show!

THE BIG TEASE is the second movie I've seen in the past year about a hairdressing competition. The other is the likewise little known BLOW DRY. BLOW DRY is a little more accessible as it has a more in depth plot line and characters. However, THE BIG TEASE is a "mockumentary" with soul and a droll sense of humor. Craig Ferguson marvelously plays stylist Crawford Mackenzie, a Scotsman who mistakes a form letter for an invitation to participate in the annual Platinum Scissors award competition in Los Angeles. Once there, he finds out he's only invited to be in the audience, and the competition's officious chairperson (a delightful Mary McCormack) refuses to let him enter. Mackenzie stumbles onto Sean Connery's agent, played very nicely by Frances Fisher, and one thing leads to another and kaboom, Mackenzie finds an ally. The supporting cast is top notch: Donal Logue as the wannabe actor with his own limousine; David Rasche (Sledgehammer) as the Norwegian three time champion; Ted McGinley (underused) as Rasche's buddy; and some nice cameos from David Hasselhoff and Drew Carey. The outcome is predictable but the movie has such a nice low key approach to its subject matter, it's delightful. The final four hairstyles are priceless, too!
A charming film that entertains in an entirely different way.

I loved this film. It has a few quirky moments but that's a part of its appeal. Craig Ferguson is absolutely charming, and it's a film that really becomes more endearing with each viewing.

This film is razor-sharp portrayal of glitzy soulless Beverly Hills in the style of a spoof documentary. The plot itself is just about as ridiculous as Beverly Hills can get. Crawford McKenzie is a good-humored gay hairdresser from Scotland who is led to believe he has been invited to participate in THE most prestigious hair design show in LA. When he finds out that he was only invited as part of the audience his illusions are shattered. Our talented hero comes from a place where he believes "helping and healing" are all part of the trade. He is outraged to find that the hairdressing trade in LA just doesn't care. Old world meets new world in a hilarious farce on the theme of lies, power, corruption and coloring gel. If you happen to be Scottish, and have spent anytime in Southern California then this film is a must see. Likewise, if you happen to live in America and have spent any time in Glasgow then this movie is likely to have you thinking about revisiting. I certainly am!

Movie snobs don't bother--you have way too many rules for this fun little movie. I picked up The Big Tease never having heard of it so I was a bit confused at first by the documentary style. Luckily my husband (a major Drew Carey fan) recognized Craig Ferguson and I stopped trying to figure out what was happening and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The character Crawford Mackenzie is so likeable that the convoluted plot is irrelevant. There is something fresh and fun about the flick that elevates it above the slapstick and predictable laughs that plague many more commercial movies.

Not a stellar production by any stretch, this mockumentary still gets my top vote.

It's a fun, (almost) realistic romp through a Hollywood-wannabe life. Crawford is very convincing as a Scottish hairstylist who makes the mistake of thinking that he is a participant for a "Platinum Hairoff" competition in LA, when he was only one of the 100 lucky draw viewers selected at random.

Mayhem ensues and he is smitten by the idea of the trophy and wishes to steamroll his way into the contest come rain or shine. This includes a very funny cameo by (the usually safe bet) Frances Fisher, plus guest appearances from some big stars.

The documentary style cut may require a couple of scenes to get used to, but stick with it. The film has its moments. Predictable in the end, but so are some of the best movies. It's the message of self-worth and persistence that makes it worthwhile.

Interesting feel-good low-budget effort. Recommended rental for a light one and half hours.

This movie might be a bit over the top for some people; however I think that it is Craig Ferguson's best acting performance. (Just watch his facial expressions when he is hurt or vulnerable.) If you like him, or like off-beat, you'll like this one.

Craig as "queen" of Scottish hair. So bad it's good. Lots of fun cameos scattered through the film. The Hoff chewing up the scenery is excellent.

Craig Ferguson plays Scottish hairdresser Crawford Mackenzie, Glasgow's finest, who comes to the United States for a haircut competition. His adventures from start to finish are truly comical and any fan of Craig would be very happy with this purchase.

This is one of the cutest 'unknown' movies ever! It's sweet and funny and heartbreaking all at the same time, not to mention all the guest stars' cameos. Is there anything Craig Ferguson can't do?